The Tycoon Inheritance

"It's clear in your voice. I like that."

"You're so perceptive," he teased, stepping away from the little emotional revelation.

"Hahaha! I had to learn. You're a contradicting person, my husband."

"Isn't it exciting? The same way that you're straightforward and bold," he continued.

When he stepped out of Cartier's, a sharp voice called out to him.

"Brother!"

Looking over his shoulder, he spotted Chen Yan jogging to his side with a happy smile on his face.

"Oh. Is that XiaoYan? He sounds so cute!" His woman's big sister mode has been activated.

"Your sister-in-law says you sound cute," Chen Kai reported when the kid was firmly beside him.

"Sister-in-law?"

Chen Kai didn't say much and handed over the phone to him.

The two began an awkward conversation and then smoothened it out by the time they reached Givenchy.

XiaoYan returned his phone and left his side to check out the Men's collection they had been talking about earlier.

"Miss Su." The greeting was seductive and had a sense of luring. Su Lian's attention was captured and her heart began to fill with expectation.

"Yes, Director Chen?!"

"Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?"

"An official date?" she asked tumbling excitedly on her bed.

"Yes, my dear. An official date," he replied. The gentle look in his eyes complimented the softening of his face as he spoke softly to her.

"Okay. Keep me posted. What are you doing tomorrow by the way? The girls and I are going to survey the neighborhood before we get too busy with work."

"I have an auction to attend in the name of Nanhe Emperor Mall. It should take up most of the day."

"Let's go, big man!" Su Lian cheered. She was already giddy with joy at Chen Kai's success. Now he's hitting high-profile gatherings as a fresh graduate and wielding millions. As his woman, she was very proud. Even if the money was inherited, he didn't go crazy, he created a company to fit his lifestyle.

"Hahaha! Silly. I will let you go take a rest. I have some stuff to do and keep your phone beside you. Don't forget to eat."

"Yes, husband. I'll be fine," she gently coaxed him before ending the call.

"Ah, yes. Manager Guo please," Chen Kai said to the two shopping guides patiently waiting for him with a plastered smile.

"Yes, sir." One answered and left while the other followed Chen Kai to the Women's section of the store.

"Is there anything the customer requires?" the young lady asked.

"After your manager arrives, I shall say my requests. For now, I will look," he spoke unhurriedly. The items displayed were the ones the Branch Director showed him, the present season fashion design touched the Chinese youth street fashion trend. The outdoor, functional look translated nicely in the bags, shoes, and ready-to-wear clothing.

A few caught his eye and XiaoYan, that's why the kid was excited to choose a few pieces. He on the other hand wishes to spoil his woman.

"Director Chen, I, Manager Guo welcome you to the Yenning Plaza Boutique." The mature and flattering voice came from his left. Turning to the person, he was pleased to see the elegant older sister with a small smile before him. The shopping guide beside him and the woman were inwardly questioning Chen Kai's identity.

"Thank you, Manager Guo. The Branch Director may have informed you that my presence in Givenchy will be neutral. I won't implement any changes, I'm simply a soundboard when it concerns the East. Today's visit is simply to purchase a few items for myself, my brother, and a few friends. Also, I will have to trouble you for some cards."

The woman's eyes brighten. She was notified beforehand that this young shareholder doesn't take free food. He will purchase anything he needs and not lean on his position as one of the big bosses.

"There's no trouble, Director Chen. Would you like to visit the VIP room or are you comfortable here?" she asked politely.

From the path of the conversation, the shopping guides' thoughts were answered. This young man was their big boss. A shareholder of their company. A real-life hidden dragon. No wonder their normally arrogant manager is reduced to a fawning kitten.

"I need some things here. Take me to the sitting area and bring me four catalogs. I will trouble you to transfer four shopping guides to me and one to my brother. He should be the only kid there with two shadows beside him. Is it doable?" Chen Kai asked with a smirk. The woman reminded him of the people who rushed to be in his favor in his last life.

Everyone wishes for benefits.

"It's all simple, Director Chen. Please follow me."

Manager Guo led him to the lounge area and seated him away from the other customers. The guests saw this pampering treatment and looked over with curious expressions.

The manager allowed the two shopping guides to stay beside Chen Kai while she executed the small requests. She dispatched the Assistant Manager to tend to Chen Yan, stating clearly how important the child was to the Director.

Returning to the lounge with a small lap desk in her hands, the manager politely placed it before Chen Kai and explained her reason for adding the different colored pens, sticky notes, and a notepad. Behind her were two additional shopping guides.

To the customers, this type of service was beyond their prestige and also the first to see. The young ladies who came to shop idly couldn't help but inquire about the young man who had such power.

"Who is he?" This question came from a young lady who was visiting from Shanghai. Her family is widely known in the country for their food manufacturing company. She's currently visiting Nanjing for a bit of fun and invited a friend who was equal to her in terms of family strength.

"This is the first time, young miss," the shopping guide replied apologetically

The two young ladies hummed with displeasure. "He seems to be someone of great importance to have the Manager serving him and to have so many helpers," the first young lady commented. She crossed her legs at the knee, revealing her slender pale thighs, and swung her feet slowly. This move was clear to the women around her.

She wanted to attract the big guy.

Her friend saw this and waited for Chen Kai to give a look or some sort of acknowledgment.

What they saw was him selecting items in the catalogs and then instructing each shopping guide. Three were sent away, and the last one patiently waited.

The shopping guide to the young lady excused herself and found Chen Kai's person.

On the other side, Manager Guo was planning how to spend her commission at the end of the month. The three catalogs Chen Kai sent to be retrieved can be roughly totaled at 900,000 Yuan. This was two weeks' worth of sales during the high fashion period.

She and the shopping guide glanced at the young director. He was more meticulous with this selection.

"This one is special to me. She's my partner and the one to receive the highest VIP card. Pay attention to the name for future references."

"Yes, Director Chen." The women answered solemnly while envious and disappointed in their hearts. Such a man wasn't in the sea. Pity.

They watched on as he chose bracelets, running sneakers, hoodies, t-shirts, sweaters, and scarves. He moved to the evening dresses. A frown marred his face.

"There should be a black mousseline and lace dress at this branch. Has it been sold?" he asked softly.

"No, sir. It came two weeks ago and hasn't been put on display," the manager replied. The dress was a treasure in the store. The price tag is 59000 Yuan and under a need-to-know or reference category. Unless it's a show of buying power, there aren't many customers who will cash out a 50k dress.

"Perfect. Let me see it," he ordered without raising his head.

"Yes, sir." Manager Guo was bouncing on her toes as she excused herself, pulling her staff member with her. Her excitement broke her business-look facade.

The ladies on the other side saw this and were furthermore bewildered. At that moment, the shopping guide returned and relayed the information she learned.

"He's the youngest shareholder of Givenchy. He goes by the name Director Chen. They heard from Manager Guo that he owns a 100M company that is in real estate and is the owner of the Sleeping Dragon." The more she spoke, the more excited she grew. Chen Kai's worth was much more than the young masters who lived on their parents' wealth.

The two young ladies' eyes were bright. The miss from Nanjing got to her feet and walked over to Chen Kai. The other from Shanghai followed closely.

They stood before him in practiced poses to show off their slim legs and ample breasts. They didn't speak at first, but Chen Kai did.

"Be forward. How can I help you?" There was no flattery, no recognition, no enamored look. When he raised his head to look at the visitors, he had a completely indifferent expression on his face. Leaning on his propped hand, he waited for them to answer.

The ladies were not used to this attitude from a man. They were used to flattery and pampering from their admirers. 'Is this the temperament of young ambitious men?' one thought. She was disappointed.

"We're here for a bit of shopping and happened to see you. Do you need a bit more personal help in shopping for your friends?" This came from Miss Shanghai.

"There's no need for that. The gifts for my friends are settled. I think it will be a personal thing for me to do if I shop for my wife, right? Thank you for your offer," he answered with a smirk.

"True but I dare to guess that this 'wife' of yours may be open-minded on having a bit of help. She will appreciate it." Miss Shanghai wouldn't give up.

"A persistent little elf." Chen Kai teased.

"A woman can show a little backbone. It is modern times."

"You're right but one should know when to walk away. Would you like a woman such as yourself to pester your lover?" he asked. He straightened his posture to speak directly with her. Miss Shanghai boldly sat in the vacant seat beside him. Her friend was aesthetically interested in Chen Kai and sat next to her. It won't hurt to look at a handsome man during a shopping trip.

"I should trust my lover in that situation. No?" Miss Shanghai continued.

Chen Kai chuckled at her answer. "The young lady is correct. Will you be okay that she will continue after his steadfast trust and loyalty are shown?"

"Hmmm. I will be annoyed that my lover is such a good catch that bees are constantly around him," she returned with a cute smile.

"Touche," he laughed.

The 'hook up' agenda was forgotten and left to strangers becoming acquaintances.

The two began to talk jokingly about what one's partner would or would not do then shifted to trends they like. When they got to the topic of overseas influences they would like to see domestically, Manager Guo returned with the dress.

Her eyes shone as she wheeled the mannequin towards them. "Director Chen. Here it is." She unzipped the garment bag with a flourish to reveal the black mousseline and lace dress. At first glance at the catalog, Chen Kai can only guess how Su Lian would look in this dress. Seeing it now on the mannequin, he can say with great confidence that it will fit her perfectly.

He took a look at it, to make sure no exterior adjustments weren't made. The dress hung smoothly on the doll. Chen Kai smiled in appreciation. "This will do," he commented softly.

Would it be nauseating to say his woman has a perfect ratio body? Her size matched the mannequin with a slight 1-inch difference. This dress was made for her.

"Wrap this separately and box it with the last shoes and purse I chose. You should know which one. They paired them together on the runway," he said with his eyes fixed on the dress.

"Yes. Yes. Certainly." The manager took the catalog and found the items.

"Close the bill."

"Will Young Master Chen Yan's purchases be added?"

"No, he will pay on his own." On his last word, XiaoYan appeared. The proud look on his face and the confident strides revealed etiquette training. His brown eyes swept over the females behind Chen Kai and gave them a dismissive look.

The young ladies felt a bit miffed by the brush-off by this kid.

Does this family have such high expectations for the opposite sex?

"Satisfied here?" Chen Kai asked him. He reached out and grabbed the kid's jaw to turn his head. The earcuff he bought was eye-catching and matched his dark demeanor.

"To a point. I want to go on the other wings. How long can I get?" Chen Yan answered not minding his brother's scrutiny.

"Three hours. It's best to eat at home tonight."

"I want a new phone and laptop then we can go home. My energy is getting low."

At the mention of this, Chen Kai took note of how pale his face was currently. He frowned and decisively ended the shopping spree after a few more instructions. Thankfully his package from Cartier's was delivered before he left the store. He forgot that the kid was discharged today and his body isn't as strong as his last life.

The guards held Chen Yan's purchases and silently waited for their boss. Chen Kai turned to the ladies and bid farewell. Miss Shanghai wanted to follow but was refused.

Not even a WeChat ID was left.

~~~~~

The phone store had all the popular brands and the latest models. After a few explanations, Chen Yan chose his ideal phone and laptop and was happy to end the little outing to see his new home.

The guards were sent ahead while the two took quick looks at the stores before they left.

There was a particular store that caught Chen Kai's eye. It was an art studio that simultaneously sold art supplies and accessories. The sight of finished oil and watercolor paintings attracted the brothers. Whether it was landscapes, self-portraits, objects, or even abstract they were appreciative of any artist's work.

This store will be their last stop.

Entering they made their way through a few paintings and made their own interpretations. Chen Yan took a fancy to a painting of a martial arts warrior and one of the mountains from an aerial view.

Everyone will have a different interpretation of art. It's not really uncommon for more than two people to have the same understanding of a painting.

The subject is the same but the meaning may be different, based on personal understanding.

This was the current situation for Chen Kai and Chen Yan.

They were about to leave after getting the purchased paintings when one semi-hidden oil painting caught their attention.

At first look, the world in the painting was dark. It was a darkness that can be scary or plain old creepy.

Looking once more, there was a lone person with his back facing the viewer. On his back were wounds and words, the red was blinding and thought-provoking. It was bold because of the white of the person's body. Amidst the words on the left side of the person's back was a black heart with a smidge of white.

Chen Yan stepped back, not wanting to see that painting anymore but he couldn't look away. He felt his body aching, screaming in pain. He doesn't know if it's psychological or real. Memories of that day re-surfaced. What happened after also came back.

Chen Kai clenched his fists trying to chase away those past thoughts. He didn't want to remember what happened to that star. Reclaiming his mental stability was enough.

Stepping back, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He didn't expect a painting can be so bothersome.

The shopkeeper's voice called out to them. Chen Kai was the only one who answered.

"Are you boys okay?" the old man asked.

Without realizing that silent tears were running down his face, he answered the man harshly. "Old Man, you should be careful what you put on display."

He turned to Chen Yan and saw the child in a daze, his face was paler than before. Chen Kai stepped between him and the painting. Covering his eyes, he called his name softly over and over until he responded.

"Brother? You're here. I found you right?" The quiet question tugged at Chen Kai's soul. He turned to the old man who was frowning at the painting. From the looks of things, the old man didn't know what was wrong.

Even he can be wrong.

It was rare for something like that to exist after thousands of years. A mentalscape painting with spiritual energy.

Or. It can also be the artist's talent to paint his true emotions for his audience.

It can be one of the two.

What Chen Kai understood from this episode is how fragile their mentality is after transmigration.

For him, he recollected his thoughts and memories of Emmerson Lee on Star E8947.

For Chen Yan, he relived the worst memories. He wanted to forget them.

Chen Yan relived the memories of his death and the afterlife he was lost in.

And... Chen Kai.... He relived the desire of wanting to die.